SENATE BILL REPORT

                                    SB 5059

         AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES,

                               JANUARY 17, 1991

Brief Description:  Directing the department of fisheries to improve the pink salmon fishery through the "Alaska method."

SPONSORS:Senators Metcalf, Rasmussen, Anderson, Oke and Roach.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES

Majority Report:  Do pass and be referred to Committee on Ways & Means.

     Signed by Senators Metcalf, Chairman; Oke, Vice Chairman; Amondson, Barr, Conner, Owen, and Snyder. 

Minority Report:  Do not pass and do not be referred to Committee on Ways & Means.

     Signed by Senator Sutherland. 

Staff:  Ross Antipa (786‑7413)

Hearing Dates: January 22, 1991; January 31, 1991

BACKGROUND:

Hatchery culture of pink salmon has been remarkably successful in Alaska.

A pilot program of pink salmon culture should be tested in Washington State in order to test the Alaskan fish culture methods.

SUMMARY:

The Department of Fisheries shall acquire all available pink salmon eggs for the purpose of operating pink salmon culture facilities in Hood Canal, south Puget Sound, and north Puget Sound.

The department shall contact the Alaska Department of Fish and Game for purposes of obtaining even-year returning pink salmon for introduction into Washington waters.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  requested January 16, 1991

Effective Date:  The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.

TESTIMONY FOR:

This is a cost effective way to improve salmon fisheries in the state.

TESTIMONY AGAINST:

This would not provide major improvements in the sport fishery.

TESTIFIED:  Gene DiDonato, Department of Fisheries (con); Bill Jones, Wildcat; Rob Zugnich, Purse Seine Vessel Owners; Jim Zimmerman, Troutlodge (pro); Steve Arbaugh, PSGA (pro)